Competitions & Exhibitions

One of the oldest county fairs in the country, this venerable original remains true to its farming roots and wholesome community spirit. An integral part of the region, the fair celebrates the joys, skill, and hard work of farming, quilting, weaving, riding, cooking, and other arts and crafts.

4H Programs

Led by skilled adult volunteers of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia County, diverse youth from Columbia County exhibit their club creations and project work or show their livestock in friendly competition throughout the 6-day fair.

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Amateur Craft Beer, Wine, and Cider

Lager, stout, red or white…who will win best of show for overall outstanding amateur beer, wine, or cider? Our contest is open to any amateur wine, beer or cider maker, 21 years or older, who lives within 50 miles of Chatham, NY.

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Antique Tractor Pull

The best of the best farm tractors come out for thirteen classes of weights from 2,500 lbs to 11,500 lbs to battle for the best pull. Two classes, 18 and up and 14 years of age. Relax in the grandstand and see what these classic tractors can do!

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Columbia County’s Got Talent

Simon Cowell watch out! Columbia County residents of all ages perform talents of dance, singing, and instrumental in adult, teen and junior divisions for prizes and eligibility to compete at the NYS Fair in Syracuse.

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Giant Pumpkins

Move over Cinderella, you have competition! Our new giant pumpkin contest hands out prizes to the largest pumpkins grown in Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Dutchess and Berkshire Counties. Minimum pumpkin weight is 75lbs to compete.

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Ice Cream Contest

Our annual ice cream eating contest welcomes all takers – men, women and children. All they need is a hearty appetite and a love of ice cold ICE CREAM. It’s great fun and gives new meaning to the phrase “brain-freeze.”

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Live Animals

The fair is alive with animals of all shapes and sizes. You’re sure to enjoy watching the best of the best walk off with cash prizes and blue ribbons in the Show Ring. Check out the competition ring or meander through the barns to view other fine two- and four-legged animals. A partial listing follows.

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Photo Contest

Calling all amateur shutter bugs! Whether you enjoy photographing landscapes or livestock, people or parades, display your best shot taken in Columbia County. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded by a panel of professional photographers based on creativity, composition, impact, story-telling, technical quality, and presentation. (Professionals may submit photographs for display but are not eligible to compete).

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Quilt Show

With 18 entry categories, submissions range from the simple to the complex, and include original designs as well as such traditional patterns as the Log Cabin, Morning Star, Ohio Star, Trip Around the World, Double Irish Chain, and Triple Irish Chain.

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Scarecrows

Scattered throughout the north end of the fairgrounds you will see an art skill like no other, as creative and unique scarecrows of all kinds decorate and add life to the Fair. Scarecrows are judged for originality, design, creativity, durability and neatness. This is one exhibit you can’t miss!

School Girl Queen

Tradition marches on as young women compete in the 81st annual Columbia County School Girl Queen Contest. With judging based on personality, poise, and appearance, contestants from all-six public schools in the county vie for cash prizes in this competition filled with school spirit.

School Work

A trip to the fair isn’t complete without visiting the little Red School House, with its grand display of art work by area students. A favorite must-see exhibit, all local schools participate, pre-school youngsters through high school seniors.

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Scouting Exhibits

Premiums awarded by to any Columbia County unit of the Boy Scouts of America for the best Troop Exhibit and Outdoor Exhibit, in three classes for boys, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and six classes for girls, Daisy, Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassadors.

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Woolbooth

After the kids get through playing with the little lambs in the sheep barn, they can see the sheep shearing. Then, they can see the finished product beautifully displayed. Experts are on hand to answer questions all day, every day.